Hello all,
So I really could use some help in setting up a routine for my hair. I can't tell you how many articles/youtube videos/blogs I've read on what's good and whats not good out there. Honestly my mind is a bit overstimulated because I'm obsessing on having THE perfect routine but I'm just so mixed up! I just don't want to be buying a whole lot of products that are not going to get used (honestly that's happening already. I just don't want to add to that collection!). I need help with the following:
In Shower:
Clarifying shampoo
Moisturizing Shampoo
Moisturizing conditioner
Deep conditioning treatment?
Protein treatment?
the ? is because I don't really know if I need protein/conditioning treatment for my hair. My hair is shoulder length, it is very fine, 3a curly, medium density, low porosity.

What's hanging around my house:
Over the summer I bought Joico K-pak shampoo and conditioner and the deep penetrating protein treatment. I didn't know the shampoo and conditioner is loaded with protein. Then I started obsessing about too much protein. There's some living proof shampoo and conditioner sitting around my house, so I started using that. Honestly I love the smell. It's sulfate free and paraben free but I noticed both shampoo and conditioner has Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, it's listed more towards the end though. Should I worry about this? Again I'm obsessing with too much protein. Like most girls on this site I'm trying to grow my hair out. Up until recently i really didn't care what I used on my hair but then i noticed my hair always remained the same length so I started looking after it. It's grown a little that it's noticeable to me but to my friends it just looks the same.

Stef, after lots of trials and errors, this is my routine now for my 4a hair (mid neck length) if stretched. Maybe u can use a similar routine.
-I only use fingers to detangle and style hair.
-Co-wash 2 times a week - Sat and Wed or (sometimes I wash the night before and sleep with deep conditioner)
I use Trader Joe Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner or Vo5 Moisture milk Conditioner (passion fruit)
-Every 2 weeks or so I may use a shampoo like Shea Moisture something retention shampoo but I have recently switched to using 4tbsp avg plus 2 tbs each apple cider vinegar and honey
-I deep condition once or twice per week and use Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (sucks as a styler but excels as a DC)
-I use 3 tbsp avg mixed with 1 tbsp jojoba oil and 1 tbsp glycerin to stylehair (soaking wet). The glycerin is optional but it totally removes (which I like) the it of crunch/hold that avg leaves on hair. Unlike others, I hate crunchy (no matter how minimal) hold. My hair loves glycerin and I use it all year, winter and summer, humid and dry. I never have a problem.
-To refresh I use a spray bottle with water and spray my hair enough for me to be able to shake curls. Don't touch. Just let water sit on hair for 1 minute or so and then shake curls. Ur curls will pop up and revive.